Adjustable knee wedge for a catcher

ABSTRACT

An adjustable knee wedge may include a wedge shaped first compressible block, a wedge shaped second compressible block releasably coupled to the wedge shaped first compressible block and a leg guard mounting interface coupled to at least one of the first compressible block and the second compressible block.

BACKGROUND

The sports of baseball and softball require a catcher behind home plate. The catcher must generally crouch when receiving a ball thrown by a pitcher. Such crouching may place great stress on the catcher's knees.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating portions of leg protection system being worn by a catcher.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the leg protection system of FIG. 1 worn by a catcher.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the leg protection system of FIG. 1 worn by a catcher when crouching.

FIG. 4 is a side view schematically illustrating portions of an example knee wedge in a first configuration.

FIG. 5 is a side view schematically illustrating portions of the example knee wedge of FIG. 4 in a second configuration.

FIG. 6 is a side view schematically illustrating portions of the example knee wedge of FIG. 4 in a third configuration.

FIG. 7A is a side view of an example knee wedge.

FIG. 7B is an exploded perspective view of the example knee wedge of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8 is a side view of an example knee wedge.

FIG. 9 is a side view of an example knee wedge.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of an example knee wedge.

FIG. 11A is a sectional view of an example knee wedge.

FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of the example knee wedge of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12A is a side view of an example knee wedge.

FIG. 12B is a rear view of the knee wedge of FIG. 12A with an open mouth.

FIG. 12C is a rear view of the knee wedge of FIG. 12A with a first closing mechanism retaining the mouth in a closed state.

FIG. 13A is a rear view of the knee wedge of FIG. 12A with a second closing mechanism retaining the mouth in the closed state.

FIG. 13B is a sectional view of the knee wedge of FIG. 13A take along line 13B-13B.

FIG. 14 is a rear view of the knee wedge of FIG. 12A with a closing mechanism retaining the mouth in a closed state.

FIG. 15A is a side view of an example knee wedge in a first configuration with an example leg guard mounting interface receiving example leg guard straps.

FIG. 15B is a bottom view of the example knee wedge of FIG.

FIG. 16 is a side view of the example knee wedge of FIG. 15A and a second configuration.

FIG. 17A is a perspective view of an example knee wedge in a first configuration.

FIG. 17B is a bottom perspective view of the example knee wedge of FIG. 17A illustrating an example leg guard mounting interface receiving an example leg guard strap.

FIG. 18A is a rear view of a stack of compressible blocks and a compressible pad forming a first interior fill for the knee wedge of FIG. 17A.

FIG. 18B is a perspective view of the stack of compressible blocks and the compressible pad of FIG. 18A.

FIG. 19 is a rear view of the example knee wedge of FIG. 17A illustrating the stack of compressible blocks and the compressible pad received within an open mouth of an outer flexible housing.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the example knee wedge of FIG. 17A and a second thinner configuration.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a stack of a compressible block and a compressible pad forming a second interior fill for the knee wedge of FIG. 20 .

FIG. 22 is a rear view of the example knee wedge of FIG. 20 illustrating the stack of the compressible block and the compressible pad received within the open mouth of the outer flexible housing.

FIG. 23 is a bottom perspective view of the example knee wedge of FIG. 17A illustrating a second example leg guard mounting interface receiving an example leg guard strap.

Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. The FIGS. are not necessarily to scale, and the size of some parts may be exaggerated to more clearly illustrate the example shown. Moreover, the drawings provide examples and/or implementations consistent with the description; however, the description is not limited to the examples and/or implementations provided in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

Disclosed are example catcher knee wedges that are to be supported behind a catcher's lower leg so as to provide a resting surface for the catcher's thigh and buttocks when the catcher is crouching. The example catcher knee wedges comprise a modular system which provides an adjustable thickness to accommodate differently sized catchers and different personal preferences. The example catcher knee wedges facilitate stacking of different wedge-shaped compressible blocks, which are releasably coupled to one another, to provide a selected overall thickness, a selected spacing between the back of the catcher's calves and thighs. In such implementations, the catcher may selectively adjust the catcher knee wedge between a first configuration formed by a single wedge-shaped first compressible block and a second configuration formed by a wedge shaped second compressible block stacked upon the wedge shaped first compressible block.

In some implementations, the different wedge-shaped compressible blocks are releasably coupled to one another by block-to-block connectors that directly connect the compressible blocks. In some implementations, the different wedge-shaped compressible blocks are releasably coupled to one another by being removably positioned within an outer flexible housing. In such implementations, the outer flexible housing may include a mouth through which the different wedge-shaped compressible blocks may be inserted and removed.

At various times during practice or during a game, a catcher may want to discontinue use of the knee wedge or switch to a different knee wedge having a different thickness. For example, during particular points in practice or a game, the catcher may want to remove the knee wedge or switch to a different knee wedge for enhanced maneuverability when catching. When not performing catching duties, such as when the catcher is at bat, the catcher may want to remove the knee wedge.

The example knee wedges may facilitate faster and easier connection and disconnection of the knee wedge to and from the other protective leg gear being worn by the catcher. In some implementations, the example knee wedges comprise a leg guard mounting interface in the form of at least one flexible belt loop or sleeve. The belt loop or sleeve is sized and/or is deformable or stretchable such that any buckles or other rigid connectors used to connect the knee wedge to the protective leg gear may be passed through the at least one sleeve. As a result, the catcher may more easily disconnect the knee wedge from the existing strap that otherwise wraps about the catcher's lower leg to retain portions of the leg guard against a front of the catcher's lower leg. Although disclosed in the context of being used with the modular or adjustable knee wedge, the example leg guard mounting interfaces may likewise be utilized with non-expendable or non-adjustable knee wedges providing similar benefits.

Disclosed is an example knee wedge that comprises a wedge-shaped first compressible block, a flexible housing having an interior and a selectively closable mouth providing access to the interior. The interior removably contains the wedge-shaped first compressible block. The knee wedge further comprises a leg guard mounting interface coupled to an exterior of the flexible housing.

Disclosed is an example knee wedge that comprises a wedge shaped first compressible block, a wedge shaped second compressible block releasably coupled to the wedge shaped first compressible block, and a leg guard mounting interface coupled to at least one of the first compressible block and the second compressible block.

Disclosed is an example leg protection system. The example leg protection system comprises a leg guard and a catcher knee wedge releasably connected to the leg guard. The catcher knee wedges are selectively adjustable between a plurality of configurations comprising a first configuration using a wedge-shaped first compressible block, a second configuration using a wedge shaped second compressible block sized differently than the wedge shaped first compressible block, and a third configuration using a stacking of the first compressible block and the second compressible block.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an example leg protection system 10 for a person playing the position of a catcher on a baseball or softball team. Leg protection system 10 protects the catcher when performing catching duties behind home plate. Leg protection system 10 comprises leg guard 12 and knee wedge 20. Leg protection system 10 may be duplicated for each of the two legs of the catcher.

Leg guard 12 is mountable to front surfaces of the one leg of a catcher, generally extending from the top of the catcher's feet to above the catcher's knee. Leg guard 12 comprises shin guard 14, knee guard 16, extended knee guard 17 and thigh guard 18. The individual guards may partially overlap one another and may be coupled to one another by at least one elongate flexible strap or band that extends between such guards. One example of such a leg guard 12 is described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/946,029 (WT-0298-US-NP) filed on Jun. 3, 2020 by Dierkes et al. and entitled Adjustable Leg Guard for a Catcher, the full disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

In the example illustrated, leg guard 12 is secured to the catcher's leg by a collection of individual elastic support straps 22-1, 22-2, 22-3 and 22-4 (collectively referred to as support straps 22). Strap 22-1 wraps about catcher's thigh and has opposite ends connected to thigh guard 18. Strap 22-2 wraps about the catches leg at or below and behind the catcher's knee and has opposite ends connected to knee guard 16. Straps 22-3 and 22-4 extend about the catcher's lower leg or calf and have opposite ends connected to knee wedge 20.

In the example illustrated, each of the opposite ends of the various straps 22 is threaded through a buckle having a hook which is hooked to a hook of the corresponding guard. In other implementations, each of such straps 22 may have ends which are releasably connected to the respective guards with other mechanisms such as hook and loop connections, snaps, or the like. In some implementations, one end of each such straps 22 may be fixedly joined to the respective guard, wherein the other end is releasably connected to the respective guard.

Knee wedge 20 (schematically illustrated) comprises a wedge-shaped modular assembly or stack of individual web-shaped compressible blocks 30-1 and 30-2 (collectively referred to as blocks 30) which are releasably coupled to one other and which are connected to straps 22-3 and 22-4 by a leg guard mounting interface 40-1 (schematically illustrated). In the example illustrated, each of the compressible blocks 30 are of different sizes, offering different incremental overall thicknesses to knee wedge 20. In some implementations, the different compressible blocks may have similar thicknesses. In some implementations, block 30-1 and 30-2 have different constructions, being formed from different materials and offering different degrees of compressibility (different stiffnesses). In one implementation, the blocks 30 are formed of an EVA foam having a hardness of approximately 30 C. In one implementation, the blocks are formed of an EVA foam having a density of approximately 0.075 g/cm³. In other implementations, the blocks can be formed of materials having different hardness and/or density values.

In the example illustrated, the pair of compressible blocks 30-1 and 30-2 are sized for average adults, having a combined uncompressed thickness T of at least 3 inches and no greater than 8 inches. When configured for an average youth, the pair compressible blocks 30-1 and 30-2 may have a combined uncompressed thickness T of at least 3 inches and no greater than 6 inches. The total thickness of the two blocks 30 may be differently apportioned amongst the different blocks in different implementations. Although knee wedge 20 is illustrated as comprising two blocks 30, in some implementations, additional blocks 30 may be further releasably coupled to blocks 30-1 and 30-2 to provide the total combined thickness for knee wedge 20. In some implementations, knee wedge 20 may additionally comprise a soft compressible pad 874 (see FIG. 18B) between the block 30 (830) most closely positioned adjacent to the back of the catcher's lower leg. The soft compressible pad may have a lower degree of stiffness (greater degree of compressibility) as compared to blocks 30, 830.

In some implementations, blocks 30-1 and 30-2 are formed from a similar material such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, also sometimes referred to as expanded rubber or foam rubber. The EVA foam offers an appropriate degree of stiffness for providing adequate support for the catcher's knees when the catcher's thighs are bearing down on knee wedge 20 while the catcher is crouched. In other implementations, other compressible materials offering similar compressibility may be used.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” shall mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “releasably” or “removably” with respect to an attachment or coupling of two structures means that the two structures may be repeatedly connected and disconnected to and from one another without material damage to either of the two structures or their functioning.

Blocks 30 may be releasably coupled to one another in various fashions. As described in more detail hereafter, in some implementations, blocks 30 may be releasably coupled to another by direct physical connections between the stacked blocks. Such direct connections may be achieved with snaps, hook, and loop (VELCRO®) arrangements, buckles and the like provided along various exterior faces of the adjacent blocks 30. In some implementations, blocks 30 may be releasably coupled to one another by an outer flexible housing or bag which removably receives blocks 30. In such an implementation, the outer flex housing or bag may comprise a mouth through which such blocks 30 are inserted, removed, and exchanged.

Because blocks 30 are releasably coupled to one another, different combinations of blocks may be used to selectively adjust the overall thickness and support height of knee wedge 20. FIG. 4-6 schematically illustrate different combinations of blocks 30-1 and 30-2 that may be used to adjust the thickness or support height of knee wedge 20. As shown by FIG. 4 , knee wedge 20 may have a first total thickness T1 (excluding any thickness of any leg guard mounting interface (LGMI, schematically illustrated) in any thickness of any outer housing that may be employed) provided by a single block 30-2. As shown by FIG. 5 , knee wedge 20 may alternatively have a second total thickness T2 (excluding any thickness of any leg guard mounting interface (LGMI, schematically illustrated) in any thickness of any outer housing that may be employed) that is greater than the thickness T1 due to the greater thickness T2 of block 30-1. As shown by FIG. 6 , knee wedge 20 may alternatively have a third total thickness T3 (excluding any thickness of any leg guard mounting interface (LGMI, schematically illustrated) in any thickness of any outer housing that may be employed) that is formed by combined stack of blocks 30-1 and 30-2. In one implementation, the thicknesses of T1, T2 and T3 can be approximately 1.25 inches, 3.25 inches and 4.5 inches. In other implementations, other dimensions for T1, T2 and T3 can be used.

In the example illustrated, each of blocks 30-1 and 30-2 are illustrated is having a generally three-sided triangular wedge shape. As indicated by broken lines, in other implementations, blocks 30-1 and 30-2 may alternatively have a four-sided wedge shape. Although the wedges of blocks 30 are illustrated as having a 90-degree corner, in some implementations, one or both of blocks 30 may omit a 90-degree corner or may have other angles between its exterior faces. In some implementations, such exterior faces may be curved, rounded, or provided with channels.

In some implementations, such faces of blocks 30-1 and 30-2 may have depressions 450-1, 450-2, 550, and projections 451-1, 451-2, 552, respectively (shown in FIGS. 10, 11A, 11B), that mirror and match one another to facilitate alignment and mating of the stacked blocks 30.

Leg guard mounting interface 40-1 facilitates removal or releasable connection of knee wedge 20 to the existing straps 22-3 and 22-4 that secure leg guard 12 to the catcher's leg. In some implementations, as shown by FIGS. 4-6 , each of blocks 30-1 and 30-2 is provided with its own dedicated leg guard mounting interface to facilitate individual connection of blocks 30-1 and 30-2 to the existing straps 22-3 and 22-4. As shown by FIGS. 5 and 6 , block 30-1 is provided with leg guard mounting interface 40-1 while, as shown by FIGS. 4 and 5 , block 30-2 is provided with leg guard mounting interface 40-2.

As shown by broken lines in FIG. 6 , in implementations where both of blocks 30-1 and 30-2 are provided with respective leg guard mounting interfaces 40-1 and 40-2, leg guard mounting interface 40-2 may be configured so as to lessen any interference with the stacking and face-to-face or flush contact of blocks 30 in the stacked configuration shown in FIG. 6 . In one implementation, leg guard mounting interface 40-2 has a generally flat profile extending generally parallel to the lower face 31 of block 30-2. In one implementation, leg guard mounting interface 40-2 is formed from at least one generally flat and thin belt loop or strap. In some implementations, leg guard mounting interface 40-2 may be recessed within the lower face 31 of block 30-2. In some implementations, leg guard mounting interface 40-2 may be a projection sized to be received within a corresponding recess 33 (schematically illustrated) formed within the top face 35 of block 30-1. In still other implementations, block 30-2 may omit a dedicated leg guard mounting interface 40-2, wherein knee wedge 20 is configurable either with block 30-1 alone (offering thickness T2) or with the combination of blocks 30-1 and 30-2 (offering thickness T3).

FIGS. 7A and 7B is a side view illustrating an example knee wedge 120. Knee wedge 120 may be used in place of knee wedge 20 shown in FIG. 1-3 . Knee wedge 120 is an example of a knee wedge where the two wedge-shaped compressible blocks 30 are directly releasably coupled to one another by hook and loop fastener arrangements 150-1 and 150-2 (collectively referred to as fastener arrangements 150). The fastener arrangements 150 are provided on the face 31 of block 30-2 and on the opposite top face 35 of block 30-1. In the example illustrated, fastener arrangements 150 comprise a pair of spaced patches on each of surfaces 31 and 35. In other implementations, surfaces 31 and 35 may be provided with a greater or fewer of such patches providing fastener arrangements 150. Because fastener arrangements 150 are largely flat patches of hook and loop material, fastener arrangements 150 may be provided on the opposing largely concealed faces of blocks 30 and do not interfere with the flush stacking of block 30-2 upon block 30-1. Fastener arrangement 150 further retain blocks 30 in an aligned state.

FIG. 8 is side view illustrating an example knee wedge 220. Knee wedge 220 may be used in place of knee wedge 20 shown in FIG. 1-3 . Knee wedge 220 is an example of a knee wedge where the two wedge-shaped compressible blocks 30 are directly releasably coupled to one another by pairs of straps 250-1, 250-2 with releasable fasteners 251-1, 251-2 (collectively referred to as fasteners 251), such as quick disconnect buckles (schematically illustrated), extending along the opposite sides of blocks 30. Such straps 250 and fasteners 251 facilitate flush stacking of blocks 30 and provide for quick separation or connection of blocks 30 where the thickness of knee wedge 220 is to be adjusted. Straps 250 and fasteners 251 further retain locks 30 in alignment with one another.

FIG. 9 is side view illustrating an example knee wedge 320. Knee wedge 320 may be used in place of knee wedge 20 shown in FIG. 1-3 . Knee wedge 320 is similar to knee wedge 220 except that straps 250 are releasably secured by hook and loop fastener arrangements 351-1 and 351-2 (collectively referred to as arrangements 351), one of a hook and loop patch being formed on the strap and the other of the hook and loop being formed on the side of the block. In the example illustrated, straps 250 are illustrated as being affixed at one end to block 30-2 while being releasably connected to block 30-1. In other implementations, straps 250 may alternatively have one end affixed to block 30-1 and the other end releasably connected by hook and loop fastener arrangements 351 to block 30-2. In yet other implementations both ends of straps 250 may be secured to the blocks 30 by hook and loop fastener arrangements 351.

FIG. 10 is a sectional of an example knee wedge 420. Knee wedge 420 may be used in place of knee wedge 20 shown in FIG. 1-3 . Knee wedge 420 is an example of a knee wedge where the two wedge-shaped compressible blocks 30 are directly releasably coupled to one another by channels, bores or other depressions formed in block 30-1 in which are press-fit corresponding bars, plugs or other projections to align and retain the two blocks 30. In the example illustrated, block 30-1 comprise a pair of bores 450-1, 450-2 (collectively referred to as bores 450) while block 30-2 comprises corresponding plugs 451-1, 451-2 (collectively referred to as plugs 351) which are press-fit into bores 450. In the example illustrated, bores 450-1 and 450-2 are differently shaped to inhibit inadvertent misalignment of the blocks 30.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are sectional views illustrating an example knee wedge 520. Knee wedge 520 may be used in place of knee wedge 20 shown in FIG. 1-3 . Knee wedge 520 is an example of a knee wedge where the two wedge-shaped compressible blocks 30 are directly releasably coupled to one another by a projection having a narrower neck portion and a wider head portion slid into a correspondingly shaped channel to vertically retain the two blocks 30 relative to one another. In the example illustrated, block 30-1 may be provided with at least one elongate channel 550 into which is slid an elongate bar 551 projecting from block 30-2. Channel 550 extends to the end of block 30-1 such that the bar 551 may be slid into the channel 550 from the end. As shown by FIG. 11B, bar 551 has a wider head portion 552 and a narrower neck portion 553. Channel 550 has a corresponding shape. As a result, bar 551 is captured within channel 550 to retain movement of blocks 30 in the direction indicated by arrows 554. Because channel 550 is formed in block 30-1, the top surface of block 30-1 omits projections when used as part of knee wedge 520 without block 30-2. As a result, block 30-1 omits any projects that might contact the leg of the catcher and be uncomfortable to the catcher.

FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C illustrate an example knee wedge 620 knee wedge 620 that may be used in place of knee wedge 20 shown in FIG. 1-3 . Knee wedge 620 is an example of a knee wedge where multiple compressible blocks, such as blocks 30-1 and 30-2, are releasably coupled to one another by an outer flexible bag or housing 660. Housing 660 has a lower exterior face 661 two which is secured a leg guard mounting interface 640. As with leg guard mounting interface 40-1, leg guard mounting interface 640 facilitates releasable connection of housing 660 and its contents which form knee wedge 620 (blocks 30-1 and/or block 30-2), to leg guard 12.

As further shown by broken lines in FIG. 12A, in some implementations, blocks 30-1 and 30-2 may be additionally directly releasably joined or coupled to one another within housing 660 by direct coupling mechanism 662 which may comprise any of the direct coupling mechanisms described with respect to knee wedges 120, 220, 320, 420 and 520. The additional direct coupling mechanism 662 may inhibit inadvertent shifting of blocks 30-1 and 30-2 relative to one another within housing 660. In some implementations, the direct coupling mechanism 662 may be omitted.

As shown by FIG. 12B, housing 660 has a rear 666 at the tallest end of housing 660, wherein rear 666 comprises a mouth 668 providing access to the interior 669 of housing 660. Mouth 668 facilitates the insertion of block 30- and/or block 30-2 into interior 669 or the removal of block 30-1 and/or 30-2 from interior 6692 adjust thickness (support height) of knee wedge 620. In some implementations, housing 66 is formed from a sufficiently flexible and elastic material such that housing 660 may receive both blocks 30-1 and 30-2 while also remaining substantially taught and smoothly wrapped against and about the block 30-1 or block 30-2 when block 30-1 or block 30-2 is used alone within interior 669 or when multiple blocks 30 are concurrently received within interior 669.

In one implementation, the rear 666 and sides 670 of housing 660 are formed from a flexible and elastic material such as Lycra. The top 672 is formed from neoprene to provide cushion and stretch. The bottom 674, providing face 661, In some implementations, the panel 663 forming face 661 of housing 660 may be formed from a flexible but generally inelastic material such as textured polyurethane. In yet other implementations, the portions of housing 60 may be formed from other materials or other combinations of materials.

As shown by FIG. 12C, mouth 668 is selectively openable and closable with a zipper 676. FIGS. 13A, 13B and 14 illustrate alternative mechanisms for selectively opening and closing mouth 668. As shown by FIGS. 13A and 13B, the rear 666 of housing 660 may have overlapping portions 678-1 and 678-2 along mouth 668, wherein one of the overlapping portions includes a hook portion 671-1 and the other of the overlapping portions includes a corresponding loop portion 671-2. The hook portion 671-1 and the loop portion 671-2 (VELCRO®) facility releasable opening and closing of mouth 668.

As shown by FIG. 14 , in some implementations, those portions of rear 666 on outside the mouth 668 may be selectively retained in a closed state through the use of at least one strap 680 having a first end fixed to a first side of mouth 668 and a second end secured to a first portion of a quick disconnect buckle 682 (schematically illustrated), wherein a second corresponding interlocking portion of the quick disconnect buckle 682 is affixed to rear 666 of housing 660 on the second side of the mouth 668. In yet other implementations, mouth 668 may be selectively retained in the closed state by other mechanisms. In some implementations, the elastic nature of housing 660 may be relied upon, without a mouth closing mechanism, for retaining blocks 30 within interior 669.

FIGS. 15A, 15B and 16 illustrate an example knee wedge 720 which may be used in place of knee wedge 20 shown in FIG. 1-3 . FIG. 15A illustrates knee wedge 720 with a single example wedge-shaped compressible block 30-1. FIG. 16 illustrates knee wedge 720 having a greater thickness provided by the additional wedge-shaped compressible block 30-2 releasably coupled to compressible block 30-1. As shown by FIG. 15B, knee wedge 720 utilizes an example leg guard mounting interface 740-1 to releasably connect knee wedge 720 to straps 22-3, 22-4 associated with leg guard 12 shown in FIGS. 1-3 .

Leg guard mounting interface 740-1 comprises at least one, and nominally at least two spaced, belt loops or sleeves 700. Each of sleeves 700 comprises first and second sleeve openings 701-1 and 701-2 spaced along an axis 703 extending perpendicular to the length of the back face.

In some implementations, each of sleeves 700 comprises a band of material having opposite ends affixed to the lower face 37 of block 30-1. In the example illustrated by FIG. 15B, leg guard mounting interface 740-1 comprises two pairs of aligned sleeves 700 formed on the lower face 37 of block 30-1. Sleeves 700 each have an internal opening width W1 (before or after stretching of the sleeve) greater than corresponding width W2 of the hooked buckles 744 secured to the opposite ends of straps 22-3 and 22-4. As a result, sleeves 700 facilitate the passing of at least one of buckle 744 therethrough, further facilitating the disconnection of straps 22-3 and 22-4 from the knee wedge formed by block 30-1 and the continued use of straps 22-3 and 22-4 to retain guard 14, without straps 22-3 and 22-4 having to be disconnected from one of their respective buckles 744. As a result, leg guard mounting interface 740-1 facilitates faster and easier connection and disconnection of a knee wedge to and from leg guard 14.

In the example illustrated, sleeves 700 are formed from a material that is flexible, facilitating collapse of sleeves 700 into a substantially flat state against lower face 37. As a result, sleeves 700 are less likely to be uncomfortable to the catcher wearing knee wedge 720. In addition, sleeves 700 facilitate individual use of each of block 30-1 and 30-2 as well as the stacking of blocks 30-1 and 30-2. FIG. 16 illustrates block 30-2 additionally provided with leg guard mounting interface 740-2. Leg guard mounting interface 740-2 is similar to leg guard mounting interface 740-1 except that leg guard mounting interface 7040-2 extends on the lower face 31 of wedge-shaped compressible block 30-2.

As with leg guard mounting interface 740-1, leg guard mounting interface 740-2 comprises two pairs of aligned sleeves 700 through which straps 22-3 and 22-4 (and their associated buckles 744) may be passed for individually securing compressible block 30-22 leg guard 12. As further shown by FIG. 16 , because sleeves 700 are flexible and collapsible, compressible block 30-2 may be stacked upon compressible block 30-1 with lower face 31 of compressible block 30-2 in close conformity with the upper surface of compressible block 30-1. As a result, block 30-1 and 30-2, when combined to provide knee wedge 720 with a greater thickness, are less likely to move relative to one another and have a more uniform consistency.

FIGS. 17A, 17B, 18A, 18B and 19 illustrate an example knee wedge 820 in a first selectable configuration having a first thickness. FIGS. 20-22 illustrate the same knee wedge 820 in a second different selectable configuration having a second lesser thickness. As shown by FIGS. 17A, 17B, 18A, 18B and 19, in the first configuration, knee wedge 820 comprises compressible blocks 830-1 and 830-2 (collectively referred to as compressible blocks 830) stacked upon one another and releasably coupled to one another by an outer flexible housing 860 (shown in FIGS. 17A, 17B and 19 ). As shown by FIG. 18B, each of compressible blocks 830 is wedge-shaped. Likewise, flexible housing has a wedge shape tapering from a first end to a second end. In the example illustrated, block 830-1 has a first thickness while compressible block 830-2 has a second lesser thickness. In the example illustrated, each of compressible blocks 830 is formed from an EVA foam. In other implementations, compressible blocks 830 may be formed from other materials. In some implementations, compressible block 830-1 may be formed from a first material having a first degree of compressibility or stiffness while compressible block 830-2 may be formed from a second material having a second degree of compressibility or stiffness different than the first degree of compressibility or stiffness. In some implementations, compressible block 830-1 has a maximum thickness T1 of 5 inches at its thicker end while compressible block 830-2 has a maximum thickness T2 of 2 inches at its thicker end, wherein thickness T1 is 33% larger than T2. In some implementations, thickness T1 is at least 2.0 inches and no greater than 5 inches. In some implementations, thickness T2 is at least 0.5 inch and no greater than 2 inches. In one implementation, T1 is approximately 3.25 inches in height at its thicker end, and T2 is approximately 1.25 inches at it thicker end. In other implementations, thicknesses T1 and T2 can have other dimensions. Such thicknesses facilitate the support of a catcher's knee when crouched behind home plate for catching a pitch while providing the catcher with a proper posture for his or her catching duties.

As further shown by FIG. 18B, compressible blocks 830 each have the same general length. As shown by FIG. 18A, compressible blocks 830 each have the same general width. As a result, blocks 830, when combined, form a continuous compressible block without substantial protrusions. Compressible blocks 830 have lengths and widths to provide adequate support for the catcher's upper leg or thighs when resting upon knee wedge 820 without substantially projecting outwardly beyond the catcher's upper leg so as to not interfere with movement of the catcher or the positioning of his or her arms along the sides of his or her thighs when crouched. In the example illustrated, compressible blocks 830 have a length of at least 5 inches and no greater than 10 inches. Compressible blocks 830 have a width of at least 3 inches and no greater than 6 inches.

As further shown by FIG. 18A, compressible block 830-1 has a lower face 837 which has a concave channel 839 running along its length. Channel 839 provides a depression and a rounded surface for partially receiving the catcher's calf to assist in retaining knee wedge 820 in alignment on the backside of the catcher's lower leg. In some implementations, channel 839 has a depth of at least 0.25 inch and no greater than 1 inch. In some implementations, channel 839 may be omitted.

As shown by FIGS. 18A, 18B and 19 , knee wedge 820 additionally comprises a compressible pad 874 positioned adjacent face 837 of compressible block 830-1. Pad 874 has a greater degree of compressibility as compared to compressible block 830-1. In some implementations, pad 874 is formed from a material such as polyurethane foam. As shown by FIG. 19 , compressible pad 874 deforms and compresses into channel 839 and itself forms a lower channel 871 for receiving the catcher's calf when knee wedge 820 is being worn. Compressible pad 874 provides additional listening comfort against the catcher's calf when knee wedge 820 is being worn. In some implementations, pad 874 may be omitted.

As shown by FIG. 19 , outer flexible housing 860 has a rear face 866 at the tallest end of housing 860, wherein face 866 comprises a mouth 868 providing access to the interior 869 of housing 860. Mouth 868 facilitates the insertion of block 830-1, block 830-2 and/or pad 874 into interior 869 or the removal of block 830-1, block 830-2 and/or pad 874 from interior 869 to adjust thickness (support height) of knee wedge 820. As shown by FIG. 19 , mouth 868 is selectively openable and closable with a zipper 876. FIGS. 13A, 13B and 14 illustrate alternative mechanisms for selectively opening and closing mouth 868.

In some implementations, housing 860 is formed from an a sufficiently flexible and elastic material such that housing 860 may receive both blocks 830-1 and 830-2, along with pad 874, while also remaining substantially taught and smoothly wrapped against and about the individual block 830-1, 830-2 with or without pad 874, or the multiple blocks 830, with or without pad 874, concurrently received within interior 869. In one implementation, the rear face 866 and side walls 870 of housing 860 are formed from a flexible and elastic material such as Lycra. The top 872 is formed from neoprene to provide cushion and stretch. The bottom 874, providing face 861 of housing 860, may be formed from a flexible but generally inelastic material such as textured polyurethane. In yet other implementations, the portions of housing 860 may be formed from other materials or other combinations of materials.

As shown by FIG. 17B, knee wedge 820 utilizes an example leg guard mounting interface 840 to releasably connect knee wedge 820 to straps 22-3, 22-4 associated with leg guard 12 shown in FIGS. 1-3 . Leg guard mounting interface 840 comprises at least one, and nominally at least two spaced, belt loops or sleeves 800. Each of sleeves 800 comprises a band of material having opposite ends affixed to the lower face 861 of housing 860. In the example illustrated by FIG. 17B, leg guard mounting interface 840 comprises two pair of aligned sleeves 800 formed on the lower face 861 of housing 860. Sleeves 800 each have an internal opening width W1 (before or after stretching of the sleeve) greater than corresponding width W2 of the hooked buckles 744 secured to the opposite ends of straps 22-3 and 22-4. In one implementation, the width W1 is at least 3 inches. As a result, sleeves 800 facilitate the passing of at least one of buckle 744 therethrough, further facilitating the disconnection of straps 22-3 and 22-4 from housing 860 and the continued use of straps 22-3 and 22-4 to retain guard 14, without straps 22-3 and 22-4 having to be disconnected from one of their respective buckles 744. As a result, leg guard mounting interface 840 facilitates faster and easier connection and disconnection of a knee wedge to and from leg guard 14.

In the example illustrated, sleeves 800 are formed from a material that is flexible, facilitating collapse of sleeves 800 into a substantially flat state against lower face 861. As a result, sleeves 800 are less likely to be uncomfortable to the catcher wearing knee wedge 820. In the example illustrated, sleeves 800 are formed from a polyurethane. In other implementations, sleeves 800 may be formed from other elastic or inelastic materials.

FIGS. 20-22 illustrate knee wedge 820 in a second thinner configuration in which compressible block 830-2 is removed from the interior 869 of housing 860. The thinner configuration of knee wedge 820 may facilitate deeper crouching of the catcher or may accommodate catchers with larger anatomies wherein a deeper crouching is employed to assume a proper catching posture. As should be appreciated, in some implementations, housing 860 may be more stretchable or have a larger interior 869 so as to accommodate compressible blocks providing knee wedge 820 with a thickness greater than the configuration shown in FIGS. 17A-19 . In some implementations, housing 860 may be more elastic or have a smaller interior sized to accommodate compressible blocks providing knee wedge 820 with a thickness less than the configuration shown in FIGS. 20-22 .

FIG. 23 is a bottom perspective view illustrating knee wedge 820 with an alternative leg guard mounting interface 940. The remaining components of knee wedge 820 are described above. Leg guard mounting interface 940 facilitates the connection or disconnection of knee wedge 820 to an existing already mounted leg guard without having to disconnect straps 22-3 or 22-4 from the leg guard.

As shown by FIG. 23 , leg guard mounting interface 940 is similar to leg guard mounting interface 840 except that interface 940 utilizes sleeves 900 in place of sleeves 800. Each of sleeves 900 has a first end portion 902 affixed to face 861 of housing 860, such as by stitching, welding, adhesives, or the like) and a second end 904 releasably connectable to face 861 of housing 860. As a result, each of sleeves 900 may be wrapped about a corresponding strap 22-3 or 22-4, wherein the end 904 may then be releasably connected for securement of knee wedge 820 to the leg guard 12. Likewise, end 904 may be detached from face 861 to facilitate removal of the strap 22-3, 22-4 from sleeve 900. Such operations may be carried out while both ends of straps 22-3 and 22-4 remain hooked or otherwise attached to the leg guard. In yet other implementations, both ends of sleeve 900 may be releasably connected to face 861 of housing 860.

In the example illustrated, each second end 904 of sleeves 900 carries one of a hook and loop portion 908 of a hook and loop fastener arrangement (VELCRO®), whereas in opposing portion of face 861 supports the other of the hook and loop portion 910 of the hook and loop fastener. In yet other implementations, one or both ends of each of sleeves 900 may be releasably connected to face 861 in other fashion such as with snaps, hooks, quick-release buckles, and the like.

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to example implementations, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the disclosure. For example, although different example implementations may have been described as including features providing various benefits, it is contemplated that the described features may be interchanged with one another or alternatively be combined with one another in the described example implementations or in other alternative implementations. Because the technology of the present disclosure is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology are foreseeable. The present disclosure described with reference to the example implementations and set forth in the following claims is manifestly intended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless specifically otherwise noted, the claims reciting a single particular element also encompass a plurality of such particular elements. The terms “first”, “second”, “third” and so on in the claims merely distinguish different elements and, unless otherwise stated, are not to be specifically associated with a particular order or particular numbering of elements in the disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A catcher knee wedge comprising: a wedge-shaped first compressible block; a flexible housing having an interior and a selectively closable mouth providing access to the interior, the interior removably containing the wedge-shaped first compressible block; and a leg guard mounting interface coupled to an exterior of the flexible housing.
 2. The catcher knee wedge of claim 1, wherein the wedge-shaped first compressible block has length with a channel extending along the length.
 3. The catcher knee wedge of claim 2, wherein the wedge-shaped first compressible block has a first degree of flexibility, wherein the catcher knee wedge further comprises a compressible pad received within the flexible housing, wherein the compressible pad has a second degree of flexibility greater than the first degree of flexibility and wherein the compressible pad is deformed into the channel.
 4. The catcher knee wedge of claim 3, wherein the compressible pad has a first side adjacent the channel and a second side, opposite the first side, forming a second channel extending along a length of the compressible pad.
 5. The catcher knee wedge of claim 1 further comprising a second compressible block received within the flexible housing and separable from the first compressible block.
 6. The catcher knee wedge of claim 5, wherein the wedge-shaped first compressible block and the second compressible block collectively form a wedge-shaped fill for the flexible housing.
 7. The catcher knee wedge of claim 1, wherein the flexible housing has a back face and wherein the leg guard mounting interface extends from the back face.
 8. The catcher knee wedge of claim 7, wherein the leg guard mounting interface comprises a flexible sleeve configured to receive a leg guard strap.
 9. The catcher knee wedge of claim 8, wherein the flexible sleeve has an internal opening width of at least 3 inches.
 10. The catcher knee wedge of claim 8, wherein the back face has a length and a width shorter than the length and wherein the flexible sleeve comprises first and second sleeve openings spaced along an axis extending perpendicular to the length of the back face.
 11. The catcher knee wedge of claim 7, wherein the flexible housing has a back face extending over and adjacent to the second channel and wherein the leg guard mounting interface comprises two pairs of aligned sleeves projecting from the back face.
 12. The catcher knee wedge of claim 11, wherein the flexible housing comprises a back face formed from a first material and sidewalls formed from a second material different than the first material.
 13. The catcher knee wedge of claim 11, wherein the flexible housing tapers from a first end wall to a second end wall and wherein the mouth extends through the first end wall.
 14. The catcher knee wedge of claim 1, wherein the flexible housing tapers from a first end wall to a second end wall and wherein the mouth extends through the first end wall.
 15. The catcher knee wedge of claim 1 further comprising a compressible pad releasably supported adjacent the first compressible pad.
 16. The catcher knee wedge of claim 1, wherein the flexible housing has a back face and wherein the leg guard mounting interface comprises two pairs of aligned sleeves projecting from the back face.
 17. The catcher knee wedge of claim 16, wherein each of the aligned sleeves has an internal opening width of at least 3 inches.
 18. The catcher knee wedge of claim 1, wherein the flexible housing comprises a back face having a length and a width shorter than the length and wherein the leg guard mounting interface comprises a flexible sleeve having first and second sleeve openings spaced along an axis extending perpendicular to the length of the back face.
 19. An adjustable knee wedge comprising: a wedge shaped first compressible block; a wedge shaped second compressible block releasably coupled to the wedge shaped first compressible block; and a leg guard mounting interface coupled to at least one of the first compressible block and the second compressible block.
 20. A leg protection system comprising: a leg guard; a catcher knee wedge releasably connected to the leg guard and selectively adjustable between a plurality of configurations comprising: a first configuration comprising a wedge-shaped first compressible block; a second configuration comprising a wedge shaped second compressible block sized differently than the wedge shaped first compressible block; and a third configuration comprising a stacking of the first compressible block and the second compressible block. 